PEDIATRICS Vol. 61 No. 1 January 1978, pp. 72
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THOMAS WILLIS ON THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD EPILEPSY (1667)

T. E. C. Jr. M.D.

Although Thomas Willis (1621-1675) was not specially devoted to diseases of children, his writings occasionally contained items relating to this subject that were sufficiently important to be quoted by subsequent writers on pediatrics. This is how Willis viewed the preventive and therapeutic management of epilepsy.

A Man in this Neighborhood, had all his Children dead of Convulsions, within three months after they were born. At length, to prevent the same Fate in a Son of his that was new-born, he thought proper to try the Power of Medicine. I was called to him a few days after the Birth, and ordered an Issue in the first Place to be made in his Neck, and that two Ounces of Blood should be drawn next Day at the Neck, by the Application of Leeches. I advised besides, that for three Days before each Change of the Moon, and again before the Full, about five Grains of the following Powder should be given him Morning and Evening in a Spoonful of the Julap.

Take prepared Human Skull, the Root of Male-Peony, of each one Drachm. Pearls in Powder, half a Drachm. Mix them all together, and make a very fine Powder.

Take of Black Cherry-Water, three Ounces. The Antepileptick Water of Langius, and Ounce. Syrup of the Flowers of Male-Peony, six Drachms.

I likewise ordered the Nurse to take a Draught of Whey, in which the Roots and Seeds of Male-Peony, and the Leaves of Lilly of the Valley had been boiled, twice every Day at the same Hours.